TheÌýUniversityÌýof Southampton recognises thatÌýstudents with caring responsibilities may find balancing these with their academic studies challenging.ÌýThese commitments mightÌýalsoÌýimpactÌýtheir physical and mental health, financial situation, relationships, and general student life.ÌýIn recognition of this, the UniversityÌýoffers a range of support whichÌýStudentÌýParentsÌýand Young Carers/StudentÌýCarers can access.Ìý
For those who areÌýthe main care provider forÌýtheirÌýchild, further information on the support available to Student Parents can be foundÌýon our dedicated webpage here.Ìý
At the University of Southampton, we define aÌýStudentÌýCarer as a student whoÌýprovidesÌýunpaidÌýcare, for a family member or friendÌýwithÌýanÌýillness, disability, mental health condition, or addiction.ÌýSome students may not regardÌýor recogniseÌýthemselves as being aÌýcarer.ÌýWe alsoÌýrecogniseÌýthat such individuals might also be referred to as aÌýyoung carer orÌýyoung adult carer.ÌýÌý
The help andÌýassistanceÌýprovided byÌýStudentÌýCarers can vary significantly.ÌýAÌýcaring role might only be aÌýshort-termÌýcommitment, likeÌýsupportingÌýsomeoneÌýrecoveringÌýfromÌýan accident,Ìýor it could be an ongoing, long-term responsibility such as caring for someone who has aÌýchronicÌýillness or a disability.ÌýAÌýstudentÌýmay be classed as aÌýcarer ifÌýtheyÌýdo any of the followingÌýfor a parent, grandparent,ÌýsiblingÌýor friend by:Ìý
The University of Southampton offers a range ofÌýsupportÌýforÌýyoung carersÌýwho areÌýconsideringÌýattending higher education. This includes:Ìý
Enrolment
The University offers 24/7 advice and guidance through the Student Hub. They can help you access emotional and wellbeing support throughout your time here. IfÌýyou’dÌýlike moreÌýinformation, orÌýneed someone to talk to about the support available for your caring role, please contact the Student Hub.Ìý
Your Adventure Begins HereÌýTransition DayÌý
AllÌýYoung CarersÌýthat areÌýjoining the University as a new undergraduate studentÌýand have self-declared via UCAS and/or on Enrolment will beÌýinvitedÌývia emailÌýin AugustÌýto attend ourÌýYour Adventure Begins HereÌýTransition DayÌýin early September.ÌýTaking place in early September, theÌýday includes a range ofÌýactivities that haveÌýbeen specifically designed to support new undergraduate students from underrepresented backgrounds with their transition toÌýthe University.Ìý
If you believeÌýyou'reÌýeligible to attend butÌýhaven'tÌýreceived an invite by late August, please contact ²õ³Ù³Ü»å±ð²Ô³Ù¾±²Ô³¦±ô³Ü²õ¾±´Ç²Ô°ª²õ´Ç³Ù´Ç²Ô.²¹³¦.³Ü°ì .Ìý
Student Hub
The University offers 24/7 advice and guidance through the Student Hub. They can help you access emotional and wellbeing support throughout your time here. IfÌýyou’dÌýlike moreÌýinformation, orÌýneed someone to talk to about the support available for your caring role, please contact the Student Hub.Ìý
Commuter FundÌý
The Commuter Fund provides a single non-repayable financial contribution to help towards daily travel costsÌýfor undergraduate students from widening participation backgroundsÌýwho areÌýliving at homeÌýduring their studies at the University.ÌýEligible students will be notified by email when the fund opens in mid-OctoberÌýwith details on how to apply. Do note that applicationsÌýwill close once all funding isÌýallocated.Ìý
More information on the Commuter Fund can be found here:ÌýCommuter FundÌý